Free Agent And Trade Market For Left Fielders

The Indians, Twins, Athletics, Braves, Padres and Giants could find themselves pursuing left fielders this offseason. Here's a preliminary look at which players will be available at the position:

Starting Left Fielders Available In Free Agency

No free agent left fielder will command Carl Crawford money this offseason. Josh Willingham, the top left fielder available, appears to be in line for a two or three-year deal.

Ryan Ludwickcould draw interest, though his homer total and OPS have fallen for three consecutive seasons. Raul Ibanez and Laynce Nix also have power, but it's unclear if teams will see them as a viable everyday options. Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer have both have played left field before, although they didn't play much of it in 2011. Similarly, Johnny Damon isn't an everyday defender. Juan Pierre will likely find an everyday job.

Free agent David DeJesus has played left field before, though not in 2011. Scott Boras clients Carlos Beltran and J.D. Drew could be fits in left field, despite their inexperience at the position. Ryan Doumit could be worth a shot in left field and if might be easier on Grady Sizemore's knees to play left, rather than center.

Other Trade Candidates

Ed Wade and Theo Epstein may hope to move Carlos Lee and Alfonso Soriano and their generous contracts. Chris Heisey and Yonder Alonso may come up in trade talks as the Reds look to acquire a top starter. Logan Morrison appears to have displeased his bosses at times and could be on the block. The Angels could move Bobby Abreu and clear their outfield logjam. Younger left fielders, such as Josh Reddick, could also be available this offseason.

What exactly would you use Pierre’s speed for? He is a poor percentage base stealer (61% last year) so his impact in that area is negative, and he is a poor outfielder. I suppose his speed might be useful in taking extra bases; I am not sure if he is effective that way. But otherwise saying you can use his speed is like saying you can use Burrell’s strength even though he no longer hits home runs.

Holliday didn’t really have that injury history last year. And while he fought numerous injuries this year, he still played great when he was healthy.

IF Pujols is gone, they need to keep all of these guys. Craig becomes what he should’ve been by this year anyway which is a starting corner OFer…..He’d move to RB and Berkman would move to 1B.

Then I’d look for the Cards to use the $s to make several moves to improve areas…..1st they’d look to still resign Furcal. Then they’d look to improve CF (Crisp?), 2B (maybe an A.Hill?), SP (another LHer a’la Bedard or Maholm, maybe), ‘pen arm (Broxton? Maybe, R.Soriano?)

No mention of Carlos Quentin I know he played RF last year but any RF can play LF and CQ has also played LF for an entire season before… seemed like an odd ommission especially since sox fans feel he is about 99 percent likely to be moved.

Those derek lowe diehards will have to follow him to Cleveland, thanks frank wren for unloading a starter that in all respect cost us (Braves) a playoff spot. We have better arms still waiting in the wings, lets go het them ready for a run in 2012.